How long does it take to build muscle memory?

[Celtica]

I know that starting young at sports or physical exercise can create an amazing physique as an adult due to muscle memory (ultra smooth skin and muscles that look effortlessly perfected).

 

But how long would it take someone who had never been physically active at a young age to develop muscle memory and therefore an amazing physique as an adult?

 

Will they ever be able to compete with those who had 10 years plus of physical activity?

[Emilia]

Muscle memory is very important for the development of skills in sports but I don't think you understand what it is. It's not muscle memory that helps you develop an athletic physique, it's the growth of the muscle fibre that does. It's something that needs to be cultivated and fed, it isn't something you can develop as a 15 year-old for the rest of your life.

[Celtica]

Thanks so much for the response.

 

You are right, I misunderstood the meaning.

 

I guess what I'm getting at is this:

I played P-1 soccer for 15 years of my life, so my thigh muscles are well defined, even if I'm out of shape. Once I start running or strength training, those muscles snap back into shape in a matter of days, whereas other muscles such as my arms are by no means easy to get toned. How is it that my thigh muscles are quicker to get in shape than my arms? If it's not due to muscle memory, then what is it from? And how long will it take my arms to do the same thing?

 

Another example: My sister was a horse back rider. She has a 6 pack in no time when she gets back in shape. Can someone explain this? Thanks!

[yongyong]

yeah muscle memory is about reaction time. Once you train long enough, your muscle will react faster than your brain sends the signal.

 

In most sports, the best athletes are in their early 20s. in bodybuilding it's early 20's

 

I've been working out On and Off for 10 years. it's not hard for me to go back in shape in several weeks (starting with skinny body. it will disappear fast like balloon too)

As I put more working out experience on my body, I need less effort to maintain.

 

Anyways, there gotta be a reason why prime time for bodybuilders is after 30's.

[brahmabull117]

Thanks so much for the response.

 

You are right, I misunderstood the meaning.

 

I guess what I'm getting at is this:

I played P-1 soccer for 15 years of my life, so my thigh muscles are well defined, even if I'm out of shape. Once I start running or strength training, those muscles snap back into shape in a matter of days, whereas other muscles such as my arms are by no means easy to get toned. How is it that my thigh muscles are quicker to get in shape than my arms? If it's not due to muscle memory, then what is it from? And how long will it take my arms to do the same thing?

 

Another example: My sister was a horse back rider. She has a 6 pack in no time when she gets back in shape. Can someone explain this? Thanks!

 

 

 

 

It's just genetics, my traps are huge naturally but I have to work my ass off to get my arms to grow

 

 

 

Nothing you can do about it

[Celtica]

But wouldn't it be more because of physical sports played? Like I don't think I'd have such strong thighs had I never played soccer. Or strong abs had I never done 100 sit ups every night since 8th grade. I used to have a really pudgy stomach and now it can get it firm in no time. Maybe genetics plays a part in fat distribution and then that helps with where we build muscle easiest. Just wondering...

[brahmabull117]

But wouldn't it be more because of physical sports played? Like I don't think I'd have such strong thighs had I never played soccer. Or strong abs had I never done 100 sit ups every night since 8th grade. I used to have a really pudgy stomach and now it can get it firm in no time. Maybe genetics plays a part in fat distribution and then that helps with where we build muscle easiest. Just wondering...

 

 

 

Genetics plays a huge part in where we build muscle easiest. My traps grow with indirect work and my arms barely grow with a ton of bicep curls

 

 

 

Just work harder on what muscles you train more. Once you gain the muscles you want, you will have muscle memory (in case you ever lose it)

[fucpcg]

If you train hard and eat right, you can look good at any age. Yes its easier for lifelong athletes, first of all they understand dedication, commitment, intensity. You have that, a non athletic person who steps foot in the gym for first time ever later in life can't accomplish what you can. My ex had insane legs at 40 from soccer, which she still played a ton of. A year of lifting upper body together and she had a better body than almost every woman in town.